Doha, 30 November (QNA) - Director of the Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum 1-2-3, Abdullah Al Mulla affirmed that Qatar set a new benchmark in organizing the FIFA Arab Cup and captivated the world during the previous edition in 2021. He stressed that the upcoming FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 will be "exceptional and historic," thanks to the high-level preparations leading up to tomorrow’s opening at Al Bayt Stadium.

Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Al Mulla expressed his great excitement as the kickoff of the new edition approaches.

"This tournament holds deep meaning for people across the Arab world," he said, noting that tomorrow will mark the start of the eleventh edition, four years after Qatar hosted the 2021 tournament.

He added that Qatar has become a meeting point for Arabs, athletes, and stars who are eagerly anticipating the competitions, building on the wide-ranging success achieved in the previous edition.

Al Mulla emphasized that Qatar is committed to providing all necessary resources to ensure a distinguished tournament for Arab football and to leave a legacy for generations to come.

He explained that Qatar Museums in general-and the Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum 1-2-3 in particular-will host a number of events alongside the Arab Cup. "Our doors will remain open throughout the tournament, and we look forward to acquiring special memorabilia from the participating teams and from prominent players," he said.

The Director highlighted that the museum demonstrates to the world Qatar’s deep connection to sports and its commitment to promoting positive sporting values. The museum showcases the roots of sports culture both within Qatar and internationally.

Al Mulla also pointed to the significant achievements of the museum through its membership in the Olympic Museums Network and the strong commendations it has received. He added that Qatar is preparing to host the General Assembly of the Olympic Museums Network, under the supervision of the International Olympic Committee, next April, with the participation of 37 sports and Olympic museums and more than 100 officials.

Al Mulla noted that the Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, alongside the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland, are the only two museums in the world that house all Olympic torches from the Games’ modern inception.

He added that the museum is among the most innovative and technologically advanced sports museums in the world-and one of the largest-spanning 19,000 square meters. Designed by Spanish architect Joan Sibina, the museum takes visitors on an inspiring, unforgettable journey through the history and heritage of global sports and the Olympic Games.

Al Mulla concluded his remarks to QNA by underscoring the importance of leveraging Qatar’s sports infrastructure to build a sustainable legacy. He noted the significant efforts underway to secure the honor of hosting the Olympic Games, which would complete Qatar’s portfolio of major international sporting events and etch its name in history.

He added that the Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum is the first of its kind in the Middle East and the second-largest of its kind globally.

The idea for the museum was conceived during Qatar’s hosting of the 2006 Asian Games, and it was officially established on December 15 of that same year. (QNA)